IMPACT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON THE NUMBER OF CASES AND MORTALITY OF TUBERCULOSIS

Abstract

This is a systematic literature review that analyzes the complex impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on global public health, addressing not only the morbidity and mortality related to the SARS-CoV-2 virus but also its impact on infectious diseases such as tuberculosis. The objective of this study is to conduct a thorough bibliographic analysis using sources available in scientific databases such as Web of Science, Scopus, and BDTD. A total of 134 articles were found in Web of Science, 144 in Scopus, and 14 in BDTD. Article selection considered those with the highest number of citations. The study will investigate the key factors contributing to the increase in tuberculosis cases, deaths, and underdiagnosis during the pandemic, including healthcare system overload, disruption of health services, social distancing measures, and changes in diagnostic and treatment-seeking behaviors. This study adopts an applied, qualitative, and exploratory approach, aiming to provide insights into the current tuberculosis scenario during the pandemic and guide effective strategies for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. The results will contribute to scientific knowledge by offering a comprehensive and updated view of the pandemic's impact on tuberculosis, along with providing recommendations for future research to deepen the understanding of the consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic on tuberculosis control.